A Great Man was Honored January 20th and Here is KSST’s Coverage
January 24, 2025 – Martin Luther King was honored January 20, 2025 with The 35th Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Ceremony at Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Dr. H. B. Nash is the Pastor. Brother Danny Hynson served as Master of Ceremonies. The event highlighted Dr. King’s importance and the significance of his Dream and what it means to everyone, even still today. The ceremony recognized individuals of the community who stand as examples to Martin Luther King’s Dream and vision of a better world. Categories recognized this January 20th include Bank of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Educator of the Year, Woman of the Year, and Man of the Year. Check out KSST’s coverage of this special ceremony below.
Weekly Senior Center Activities with Meal A Day Menu
January 23, 2025 – Check out what the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center has in store for the community this week, this month, and upcoming months! This post also includes the Meal A Day Menu for January 27th, 2025 through January 31st, 2025.
Postal Service to Sell Newly Redesigned Money Orders
Redesign Enhances Current Security Features
January 23, 2025 – WASHINGTON, DC— The U.S. Postal Service is introducing a new, redesigned money order.
The new design will enhance already strong security features to further deter counterfeiting and other fraudulent activities. It will be released in February 2025.
The current, or “legacy,” postal money order will be sold until stock is depleted. The newly designed money order features a new bank routing number and is red, white and blue in color. It will be phased into public circulation and will eventually be available at all Post Office locations. Both designs will continue to be accepted at postal retail units and financial institutions as trusted forms of payment.
Additional information is available on the Sending Money Orders page on usps.com.
Security features
While the Postal Service cannot disclose every new security element, watermarks, a security thread and a Quick Response (QR) code that directs to the USPS website are some of the new features of the enhanced money order.
The public can rest assured that USPS money orders are among the most secure financial instruments in the world.
Additional information on money-order verification is available at usps.com on the Sending Money Orders page under “Receiving Money Orders — How to Spot a Fake.”
Suspect a fake?
If a customer suspects fraud, they should call the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455. If a customer believes that they have been given a fake money order, they should call the Money Order Verification System at 1-866-459-7822 or Check Money Order Status via usps.com.
Will Public School Teachers Soon Wear Body Cameras ?
January 23, 2025 – The idea of school teachers wearing body cameras, similar to police officers, is a controversial and thought-provoking topic. Advocates argue that body cameras could enhance accountability, transparency, and safety within educational environments. Cameras could serve as an impartial record of interactions between teachers, students, and even parents, potentially deterring inappropriate behavior or false accusations on all sides. This could help resolve disputes or allegations by providing clear evidence of what transpired, fostering trust among all stakeholders.
Body cameras could also serve as a tool for professional development. Teachers could review footage to reflect on their classroom management and instructional strategies, identifying areas for improvement. Additionally, administrators could use recordings to provide constructive feedback, ultimately enhancing the quality of education.
However, there are significant concerns about privacy, practicality, and trust. Constant surveillance could create a culture of mistrust, where both teachers and students feel they are being monitored rather than supported. This might stifle creativity and openness in the classroom, as students may feel hesitant to express themselves freely, knowing they are being recorded. Teachers, too, could feel their autonomy and professionalism undermined by constant scrutiny.
Moreover, implementing such a policy raises logistical and ethical questions. Managing and securely storing vast amounts of footage would require significant resources and raise concerns about data breaches or misuse of recordings. There are also ethical considerations about recording minors, which could conflict with privacy laws and parental consent requirements.
In conclusion, while the idea of equipping teachers with body cameras has potential benefits, it also presents substantial challenges that must be carefully weighed. Policymakers, educators, and communities must engage in open dialogue to assess whether this approach aligns with the values and goals of education, balancing accountability with respect for privacy and trust.
More Suspects Caught Up in Cattle Theft
January 22, 2025 – Two more suspects will be spending the night in the Hopkins County Jail as two suspects have bonded out of jail in a local cattle theft case.
As the plot thickens on the theft of almost 100 head of cattle, so far, Gabriel Gomez, age 20, and Jeremy Gomez, age 19, are the latest suspects facing theft charges in the cattle case stemming from an investigation on Farm-to-Market Road 3236. The investigation now reveals a total of 95 head of cattle were possibly stolen as 15 head have been recovered and documentation of 80 head of cattle being sold at nearby cattle sales and to individuals outside of Hopkins County.
The search is ongoing as investigators look to return the missing cattle to their home pastures.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Suspected Cattle Rustlers Rounded Up in Hopkins County
January 22, 2025 – Local investigators rounded up two individuals so far suspected of heading up cattle that were not their property and moving them on up to Delta County to be sold. The investigation started with a report from a rancher on FM 3236 in Hopkins County on January 18th of this year that cattle were missing from the property. Texas Cattle Rancher investigators got involved and soon tracked the missing livestock to Delta County. Several individuals associated with the wayward herd were asked to come in for questioning and were informed of their rights, given a Miranda Warning, and interrogated about the cattle crossing county lines.
Two suspects quickly confessed, admitting to poaching the unsuspecting cattle and transporting them to Delta County to be sold. The two 19-year-old suspects, Ricardo Munoz, and Adrian Barajas have each been charged with a second degree felony listed as “Theft of Livestock – Elderly.” Both suspects remain in the Hopkins County Jail awaiting their bond to be set in the matter.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Scammers Exploit Unregulated Bitcoin ATMs, Costing Texans Millions
January 22, 2025 – Unregulated Bitcoin ATMs have become a lucrative tool for scammers, enabling them to steal millions from unsuspecting Texans. An estimated 4000 of these machines in Texas, designed to simplify cryptocurrency transactions, are increasingly being exploited due to their lack of oversight and anonymity. Unlike traditional banking systems, Bitcoin ATMs allow users to deposit cash in exchange for Bitcoin, which is sent directly to a provided wallet address. Scammers manipulate this process by coercing victims into sending funds under false pretenses.
Common scams include fraudulent IRS claims, utility bill threats, and fake tech support calls. Victims, often under duress, are instructed to withdraw cash and deposit it into Bitcoin ATMs, believing they are resolving critical issues. Once the Bitcoin is sent, it becomes virtually untraceable, making recovery impossible.
The absence of stringent regulations around Bitcoin ATMs compounds the problem. Many machines lack adequate Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, enabling scammers to operate without scrutiny. This regulatory gap provides a fertile ground for criminal activities, particularly in states like Texas, where cryptocurrency usage is widespread.
Law enforcement and consumer protection agencies are sounding the alarm. The Texas Department of Banking and local law enforcement have urged residents to be cautious, educating the public on how to identify scams and avoid falling prey to such schemes. However, the growing prevalence of these incidents highlights the urgent need for stronger regulations.
Implementing stricter oversight, mandating KYC protocols, and requiring licensing for Bitcoin ATM operators could help curb misuse. Until such measures are in place, Texans and others using these machines must remain vigilant, understanding that legitimate organizations will never demand payments via Bitcoin ATMs. Awareness and proactive regulatory action are essential to combating this alarming trend.
Ag Commissioner Sid Miller Invites Eligible Nonprofits to Apply for Summer Nutrition Programs
Approved agencies and organizations will be reimbursed with federal funds for feeding Texas children during the summer break
January 22, 2025 – AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is accepting sponsor applications for its 2025 Summer Meal Programs. These programs connect eligible organizations with federal funds to sponsor meal sites that serve healthy meals for Texas children 18 years old and younger when school cafeterias are closed for summer.
“Every year, TDA partners with schools, cities, churches, and other organizations to ensure kids who may not always get enough to eat have meals and snacks during the summer,” Commissioner Miller said. “In partnership with TDA, these sponsors provide the good nutrition kids need to enjoy an active summer that readies them for success when the new academic year begins.”
TDA works to address childhood hunger during the summer by partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to administer two federally funded Summer Meal Programs. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides schools, nonprofit summer camps, governmental entities, and other nonprofit organizations with the opportunity to serve meals to children across Texas. Schools operating the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) have the option of participating in the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) or SFSP, allowing them to continue meal service after the academic year ends.
TDA is seeking to partner with sponsoring organizations to serve meals across the state in areas of need, including rural areas, areas with a concentration of migrant workers, and areas where more than 50 percent of children are eligible for free or reduced-price NSLP meals. In 2025, TDA aims to reach children in rural areas who haven’t previously participated in Summer Meal Programs due to transportation barriers by allowing eligible sponsors in those areas to apply to distribute nutritious meals outside of the typically required group settings and meal service times.
Meals will be provided to individuals aged 18 and under without charge. Adults over the age of 18 are eligible for summer meals if they are determined by a state educational agency or local public educational agency to have a mental or physical disability and who participate in a public or nonprofit private school program established for people with mental or physical disabilities.
All meal sites must be sponsored by an organization that has a contract with TDA and has taken TDA-provided training. Approved SSO and SFSP sponsors, operating in accordance with federal and state regulations, will be reimbursed for meals served to children. Schools applying to operate SSO use the NSLP New Applicants page on SquareMeals.org, and sponsors applying to operate SFSP use the SFSP New Applicants page on SquareMeals.org.
The SFSP application deadline for new sponsors and those requiring a more thorough review is April 15, 2025. All other returning SFSP sponsors must apply by May 1, 2025. The deadline for all SSO applications is May 31, 2025. TDA will provide guidance to sponsors currently operating and those who plan to apply to operate one of the summer nutrition programs as soon as more information is available.
For more information about TDA’s Summer Meal Programs and its other nutrition programs, please visit SquareMeals.org.
Preparing for Winter Storms is Crucial to Ensure the Safety of Individuals by Mario Villarino
January 22, 2025 – Preparing for winter storms is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals, livestock, and property. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offers comprehensive resources to help Texans effectively prepare for and respond to winter weather events.
Key Preparedness Steps:
1. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of weather forecasts and heed advisories from local authorities. Reliable information can be accessed through the National Weather Service and local news outlets.
2. Home Preparation: Ensure your home is well-insulated to retain heat. Seal any drafts around windows and doors. Protect pipes from freezing by insulating them and allowing faucets to drip during extreme cold. Have your heating systems inspected and maintain a safe alternative heating source, such as a fireplace or portable heater.
3. Emergency Supplies: Stock a minimum three-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water. Keep an adequate supply of essential medications and a first-aid kit. Prepare for potential outages with flashlights, batteries, and, if possible, a generator.
4. Vehicle Preparedness: Ensure your vehicle is serviced and equipped with antifreeze. Carry essentials such as blankets, a flashlight, food, water, and a shovel in your vehicle.
5. Livestock and Pets: Provide adequate shelter to protect animals from wind, snow, and ice. Ensure access to unfrozen water sources. Stock sufficient feed, considering that animals may require additional energy during cold weather.
For more detailed information and resources, visit the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Disaster Preparedness & Recovery page. Additionally, the Disaster Assessment & Recovery (DAR) unit offers valuable insights into community resiliency and disaster response efforts.
By taking these proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with winter storms and ensure a safer environment for yourself, your family, and your community.
Check Out the Latest Episode of Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey and Cooper Lake’s Aron Maib
In this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down with Cooper Lake State Park Supervisor Aron Maib. The two discussed the upcoming “Kids’ Trout Fishing Day” January 25th, 2025, the park’s need for volunteers, the “Skins and Skulls” event, and much more. Take a look at this episode and learn what Cooper Lake State Park has instore for you!
